BSACI publishes guideline on peanut and tree nut allergy

Nut allergy is the most common cause of allergic reactions with severe or fatal consequences, and is increasingly common in the UK and the developed world, with around 1 in 50 children affected. The majority of these allergies will be lifelong, requiring consistent management from diagnosis and constant vigilance on the part of patients and their friends and families to ensure their diet is kept safe.

Areas covered by the BSACI recommendations include:

background and epidemiology

history and clinical presentation

diagnostic testing

dietary management

emergency medication

patient education

the role of schools

prognosis

prevention

immunotherapy.

Dr Shuaib Nasser, President of BSACI, said: ‘The allergy is lifelong in the majority and requires skilled management and advice. The British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology Standards of Care Committee have developed the first ever guideline for the investigation and management of children and adults with suspected nut allergy. The guidance has been written by experienced allergy experts and should provide a valuable resource for all those managing people with nut allergy both in the UK and worldwide.’